Coin tube opener

ABSTRACT

A tubular coin package positioned within a rigid tube formed by two hinged sections, is ruptured by pivotal displacement of the tube sections from an axially aligned position in order to empty the contents of the package. Handles are connected to the remote ends of the hinged tube sections for manipulation thereof. The package is inserted into an open end of one tube section for abutment with a stop in the other tube section.

United States Patent [1 1 [111 3,739,966 Lynn June 19, 1973 COIN TUBE OPENER 3,640,437 2 1972 Galy 2325/9615 Inventor: William E. Lynn, 4130 Camelot Drive-Bl. Raleigh, NC. 27609 Filed: Aug. 17, 1971 Appl. No.: 172,389

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 11/1953 Myrick 81/3 R 5/1953 Reyes 8113 R Primary ExaminerFrank T. Yost Att0rneyClarence A. OBrien and Harvey B.

Jacobson ABSTRACT package is inserted into an open end of one tube section for abutment with a stop in the other tube section.

10 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures com TUBE OPENER This invention relates to the opening and removal of the contents from the tubular coin packages presently utilized by banks and other such institutions for distri' bution of coinage.

Coins of different denominations are presently distributed to retail establishments in the form of elongated, tubular paper packages which are opened by the cashier at a cash register in order to deposit the coins into the cast register drawer in order to provide change for customers. Especially in large merchandising establishments, a supply of coin tubes are frequently furnished the cashier who must rapidly empty the contents of these coin tubes into the cash register drawer under the pressure of a long line of impatient customers awaiting service. Since no specific facilities are presently available for opening such coin packages, the coin tube opening procedure is often time-consuming and involves injury to the fingers of the cashier. It is therefore an important object of the present invention to provide a simple, economical and effective device for conveniently opening and emptying the contents of a coin tube in a rapid manner.

In accordance with the present invention, a pair of rigid tube sections are hingedly interconnected for displacement between an axially aligned position with adjacent ends close to each other and a folded position with the adjacent ends exposed. In the axial aligned positions of the hinged tube sections, a tubular coin package is inserted through one open end of one of the tube sections until abutting a stop surface in the other of the tube sections thereby positioning the coin package within both tube sections. Handles connected to the tube sections at the remote ends, enables the user to pivotally displace the tube sections to an open position thereby rupturing the coin package intermediate the opposite axial ends. The contents of the coin package may then be conveniently emptied through the exposed adjacent ends of the tube sections.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming apart hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout,

and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one form of coin tube opening device constructed in accordance with the present invention shown in an open position.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view through the coin tube opening device in an axially aligned closed position.

FIG. 3 is a right-hand end view of the coin tube opening device as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially through a plane indicated by section line 4-4 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a partial side sectional view through the coin tube opening device shown in a partially open position rupturing the coing tube package positioned therewithin.

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the coin tube opening device in a completely open position emptying the contents of the coin package.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the disassembled parts of the coin tube opening device shown in FIGS. 1 through 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another form of coin tube opening device in an open position.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, FIG. 1 illustrates one form of coin tube opening device generally referred to by reference numeral 10 which includes a pair of rigid tube sections 12 and 14. The tube sections are made of any suitable rigid material including wood and a suitable rigid plastic. The tube sections are hollow and cylindrical in cross section having an internal diameter dimensioned to receive with sufficient radial clearance, tubular coin packages of different coin denominations. If desired, coin tube opening devices of different dimensions may be provided in order to ac cept coin packages of dimes and pennies in one size opening device while nickels and quarters coin packages may be received within a dimensionally larger opening device.

As more clearly seen in FIG. 2., a tubular coin package 16 as shown by dotted line is operatively positioned within the opening device 10 when in an axially aligned, closed position. The tube sections are pivotally interconnected by a hinge 18 which may be secured to the tube sections at the adjacent ends 20 and 22. Flats 24 may be formed on the tube sections 12 and 14 at one diametrical location as more clearly shown in FIG. I

4 with the hinged sections being secured to the tube sections by fasteners 26. One of the tube sections 12 may be provided with a wall 28 at one remote end so as to form a stop surface 30 against which the inserted coin package 16 abuts. The remote end 32 of the other tube section 14, may be flared in order to facilitate insertion of the coin package. It will be apparent that when the coin package is inserted and properly posibe formed on the underside with flat abutting surface 38 and smooth curved surfaces 40. Thus, the abutting flat surfaces 38 of the two handles may limit the position to which the tube sections are folded as shown in FIG. 6. Thus, the ends 20 and 22 of the tube sections will be exposed and the opening device manipulated by the user grasping the handles 34 in order to empty the contents of the package 16 such as the coins 42.

In order to yieldably retain the coin package within the tube sections once inserted, a yieldable one'way stop element 44 may be secured within the tube section 14 adjacent the insert end 32 as more clearly seen in FIG. 2. Also, in order to enhance rupture of the coin package at the adjacent ends 20 and 22, insert elements 46 may be bonded to the tube sections at the adjacent ends diametrically opposite the hinge 18. As more clearly seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, when the tube sections are in the axially aligned, closed positions, the insert elements 46 form a split knife edge 48 that extends chordally across the adjacent ends of the tube sections.

Thus, when the tube sections are pivotally displaced from the axially aligned, closed position, the split knife edge .48 separates and engages the tube package to enhance rupture thereof as shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 illustratesanotherform of coi'n tube opening device generally referred to by reference numeral 50 which is similar in structure and function to the opening device except that a pair of cylindrical openings 52 and 54 extend through each of the sections 56 and 58 instead of a single cylindrical opening as shown in the opening device 10. Thus, a pair of coin packages may be simultaneously opened and the contents emptied. The openings in the section 58 will therefore extend entirely through the section so that the coin packages may be inserted through the end remote from the 1 adjacent ends 60 and 62 which are pivotally interconnected with each other by the hinge 64. The openings 52 and 54 in the section 56 are of course closed by stop surfaces while handles 66 are connected to and extend from the remote ends of the hinged sections. Also, as shown in FIG 8, knife edge insert elements 68 are mounted at the adjacent end 60 of section 56 for cooperation with the common knife edge element 70 mounted at the end 62 of section 58. Also, a releasable detent or latch may be mounted by the adjacent ends 60 and 62 including the latch elements 72 and 74 whereby the hinged sections 56 and 58 may be releasably held in the closed axially aligned position until manually displaced therefrom for opening the coin packages.

Releasable latch means for holding the hinged sections in the closed position as described with respect to FIG. 8, may also be provided for the tube opening device 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 7. It should be furthermore apparent that the present invention contemplates any desired number of coin package receiving openings in the hinged sections in order to simultaneously open several coin packages and empty the contents thereof.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A device for opening an axially elongated tubular package comprising a pair of rigid tube sections having adjacent ends, stop means mounted by one of the rigid tubes for axially positioning the package within both of the tube sections in an axially aligned position, and means connected to the tube sections for relative angular displacement thereof from said axial aligned position causing rupture of the package between said adjacent ends of the tube sections and blade means mounted by the tube sections at said adjacent ends for engagement with the package in response to said angular displacement of the tube sections enhancing rupture of the package.

2. The combination of claim 1 including hinge means interconnecting the tube sections at said adjacent ends.

3. The combination of claim 2 wherein the other of the tube sections includes an open inlet end opposite the adjacent end thereof, through which the package is inserted.

4. The combination of claim 3 including releasable means for holding the tube sections in the axially aligned position.

5. The combination of claim 4 wherein said angular displacement means comprises handles connected to the tube sections and projecting therefrom at the ends opposite the adjacent ends.

7 6. The combination of claim 2 wherein said blade means includes a pair of elements respectively mounted by the tube sections at the adjacent ends diametrically opposite the hinge means, said elements presenting a split knife edge extending chordally across the tube sections.

7. The combination of claim 1 wherein said blade means includes a pair of elements respectively mounted by the tube sections at the adjacent ends, said elements presenting a split knife edge extending chordally across the tube sections.

8. The combination of claim 7 wherein said angular displacement means comprises handles connected to the tube sections and projecting therefrom at the ends opposite the adjacent ends.

9. A device for opening an axially elongated tubular package comprising a pair of rigid tube sections having adjacent ends, stop means mounted by one of the rigid tubes for axially positioning the package within both of the tube sections in an axially aligned position, and means connected to the tube sections for relative angular displacement thereof from said axial aligned position causing rupture of the package between said adjacent ends of the tube sections, the other of the tube sections including an open inlet end opposite the adjacent end thereof, through which the package is inserted.

10. A device for opening an axially elongated tubular package comprising a pair of rigid tube sections having adjacent ends, stop means mounted by one of the rigid tubes for axially positioning the package within both of the tube sections in an axially aligned position, and means connected to the tube sections for relative angular displacement thereof from said axial aligned position causing rupture of the package between said adjacent ends of the tube sections and releasable means for holding the tube sections in the axially aligned position. 

1. A device for opening an axially elongated tubular package comprising a pair of rigid tube sections having adjacent ends, stop means mounted by one of the rigid tubes for axially positioning the package within both of the tube sections in an axially aligned position, and means connected to the tube sections for relative angular displacement thereof from said axial aligned position causing rupture of the package between said adjacent ends of the tube sections and blade means mounted by the tube sections at said adjacent ends for engagement with the package in response to said angular displacement of the tube sections enhancing rupture of the package.
 2. The combination of claim 1 including hinge means interconnecting the tube sections at said adjacent ends.
 3. The combination of claim 2 wherein the other of the tube sections includes an open inlet end opposite the adjacent end thereof, through which the package is inserted.
 4. The combination of claim 3 including releasable means for holding the tube sections in the axially aligned position.
 5. The combination of claim 4 wherein said angular displacement means comprises handles connected to the tube sections and projecting therefrom at the ends opposite the adjacent ends.
 6. The combination of claim 2 wherein said blade means includes a pair of elements respectively mounted by the tube sections at the adjacent ends diametrically opposite the hinge means, said elements presenting a split knife edge extending chordally across the tube sections.
 7. The combination of claim 1 wherein said blade means includes a pair of elements respectively mounted by the tube sections at the adjacent ends, said elements presenting a split knife edge extending chordally across the tube sections.
 8. The combination of claim 7 wherein said angular displacement means comprises handles connected to the tube sections and projecting therefrom at the ends opposite the adjacent ends.
 9. A device for opening an axially elongated tubular package comprising a pair of rigid tube sections having adjacent ends, stop means mounted by one of the rigid tubes for axially positioning the package within both of the tube sections in an axially aligned position, and means connecteD to the tube sections for relative angular displacement thereof from said axial aligned position causing rupture of the package between said adjacent ends of the tube sections, the other of the tube sections including an open inlet end opposite the adjacent end thereof, through which the package is inserted.
 10. A device for opening an axially elongated tubular package comprising a pair of rigid tube sections having adjacent ends, stop means mounted by one of the rigid tubes for axially positioning the package within both of the tube sections in an axially aligned position, and means connected to the tube sections for relative angular displacement thereof from said axial aligned position causing rupture of the package between said adjacent ends of the tube sections and releasable means for holding the tube sections in the axially aligned position. 